Power bass XMA-2200IR User manual

XMA-2200IR
XMA-2405IR
XMA-4250IR
XMA-5900IR
XMA MINI FRD AMPLIFIER
Owners Manual
Please read through this manual to familiarize yourself with your new amplifier. Should your PowerBass
Xtreme mobile amplifier ever require service, you will need to have the original dated receipt.

Thank you and Congratulations
Thank you for your decision to purchase a PowerBass USA Xtreme mobile amplifier! Our new mini amplifiers
are the result of extensive engineering, testing, and bullet proof construction. Their versatility enables compat-
ibility with optional signal and audio processors. These high quality MOSFET amplifiers may be configured to
allow maximum flexibility in designing different types of speaker systems.
FULL RANGE CLASS D MINI AMPLIFIERS
The PowerBass XMA Series are high quality MOSFET amplifiers that are capable of running a system full range,
or they may be selected only to power subwoofers. It is important that you closely follow the wiring instructions
contained in this Owners Manual so that you get the most from your PowerBass Xtreme mobile amplifier.
∆Caution ∆
High powered audio systems in a vehicle are capable of generating higher than “Live Concert” levels of sound pressure. Continued exposure
to excessively high volume sound levels could cause hearing loss or damage. Also, operation of a motor vehicle while listening to audio
equipment at high volume levels may impair your ability to hear external sounds such as horns, warning signals, or emergency vehicles—thus
creating a potential traffic hazard. In the interest of safety, PowerBass USA highly recommends listening at lower volume levels when driving.
AMPLIFIERS

TECHNICAL FEATURES
• FRD (Full Range Class-D) technology
• International Rectifier® Chip Set
• Ultra Low Current Draw
• High Damping Control Circuit
• High Efficiency SMD Circuit Technology
• Double Sided Copper Plated 4-Layer PCB
• Digital Sound Optimization Circuitry
• Quiet Switching
• High Current Voltage Ripple Rejection Circuitry
• Virtual Silence Turn On/Off Mute Circuit
• Advanced Protection Circuitry
• Balanced RCA Input Connectors
•40ClickHPF/LPFControl
•AutoTurn-OnCircuitry
• FanCooling(XMA-5900IR)
FRD-FULL RANGE CLASS D TECHNOLOGY
This amplifier represents the very latest in Class D technology. The XMA Series uses the new IR® (International
Rectifier) platform which has been under development for the past several years. IR®, a leader in PWM circuit
design, has worked in conjunction with PowerBass engineers to produce more stable power output, minimal
RF interference and improved sound quality.
The benefits of this cooperative effort are many and include improved temperature, frequency, voltage regulation
and drive capability to name a few.
The result to the user is a all around improved product that will provide years of listening enjoyment.
3
IR® is a registered trademark of International Rectifier Corporation.

INSTALLATION EXPERIENCE
Installation of PowerBass mobile amplifiers requires detailed knowledge of electronics wiring and proper
speaker impedance. We strongly recommend installation by an authorized PowerBass dealer. This Owners
Manual only provides general installation and operation instructions. If you have any reservations about
your installation skills, please contact your local PowerBass dealer for assistance.
IMPORTANT : This amplifier is designed for operation in vehicles with 12-volt Negative ground
electrical systems only.
PREPARING FOR INSTALLATION
NOTE: The tools listed below may be required for basic installation
• An electric drill with bits
• Philips head and standard screwdrivers
• Wire strippers
• Crimping tool
• VOM (electronic volt ohm meter)
• Heat shrink tubing and heat gun
• Soldering iron
• Electronic (Rosen not Acid Core) Solder
INSTALLATION PRECAUTIONS
NOTE: Proceed only if you are a qualified installer, otherwise; see your Authorized PowerBass
Dealer to professionally install this amplifier. Always wear protective eyewear when using tools.
• Turn off all stereo and other electrical devices before you begin.
• Disconnect the negative (-) lead from your vehicles battery.
• Locate all fuel lines, brake lines, oil lines, and electrical cables when planning the install.
• Make sure there is at least 2-inches (5 cm) around the air vents on the amplifier.
• When connecting ground points, make sure all paint is carefully scrapped away from the auto body
and contact is made with bare metal.
• Use a utility knife to trim away fabric from hole locations before drilling or cutting.
• When running power cables through sheet metal, be sure to use grommets to properly insulate the
metal edges from the wire insulation.
• If possible, use tubing through grommets.
WARNING: Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual before disconnecting the battery. Disconnecting
the battery on some vehicles may require an anti-theft code when reconnecting the battery and
require the on-board computer to be reset at the dealership. Check with your local dealer if you
are uncertain.

To keep your PowerBass Xtreme amplifier running at top performance, choosing the proper location is of
utmost importance. Both Thermal and Overload protection are built in. In the event of overheating, the
amplifier may temporarily shut down operation. For this reason the amplifier should be mounted in a loca-
tion which will allow air to circulate freely.
MOUNTING LOCATION
Find a clear and well ventilated area to mount your amplifier that is unobstructed by any objects that will cause
harm or block ventilation. Despite the fact that this amplifier is compact, it still needs air to cool the heatsink
fins. Do not mount under a carpet or an area with dead or stagnant air. Without proper air flow the amplifier
may overheat and go into protection where the thermal overload circuitry will shut down the amplifier.
NOTE: Make sure not to block the cooling fan (XMA-5900IR only)
The amplifier should be protected from exposure to moisture and direct sunlight. The compact size of the
amplifier allows greater flexibility in mounting. The best places to mount your amplifier are: The floor of the
trunk, under the driver’s seat, or on the back of the rear seat. For alternate installation locations, please consult
your authorized PowerBass Dealer.
If mounting under a seat, make sure there is at least 1-inch (2.5cm) of space above the amplifiers heatsink
to permit proper cooling.
You may use the amplifier as a template and mark the four screw locations with a felt tip pen. Set the amplifier
aside before drilling. Use caution to make sure there are no objects behind the installation surface that may
become damaged during drilling.
NOTE: Do not use a drill with a driver bit to mount the amplifier. Excessive force could cause the
plastic mounting feet to crack.
Fig.1 Mounting Amplifier
MOUNTING THE AMPLIFIER
5
Fan(XMA-5900IRonly)

FUSE REQUIREMENTS
While the panel your PowerBass amplifier incorporates one or more fuses, these do nothing to protect the
vehicle from a dangerous short circuit. It is absolutely vital that the main power lead to the amplifier(s) in
the system be fused within 18-inches (45cm) of the connection to the vehicle battery. The value of this fuse
(or circuit breaker) should be no greater than the sum of the fuses found on all of the equipment being
connected to that power wire.
NOTE: Due to space limitations, the XMA-5900IR does NOT use chassis mounted protective fuses.
Therefore you must add a fuse and fuse holder (not included) rated at 125A for each XMA-5900IR
installed.
*** WARNING ***
• Do not install in a place where it could injure the driver or passengers if the vehicle
stops suddenly.
• Upside down mounting will compromise heat dissipation through the heatsink and
could engage the Advanced Protection Circuitry.
• Try to avoid mounting the amplifier on a subwoofer enclosure, as extended exposure
to vibration may cause malfunction of the amplifier.
• Don’t mount the amplifier so that the wire connections are unprotected or are sub-
ject to pinching or damage from nearby objects.
• The DC power wire must be fused at the battery positive (+) terminal connection.
Before making or breaking power connections at the amplifier power terminals,
disconnect the DC power wire at the battery end.
• The battery of the car audio system must be disconnected until the entire wiring and
installation is completed.

CONTROL PANEL LAYOUT
NOTE: Panel Layout and Controls may differ by model.
1. Line INPUT (RCA) Jacks
These RCA style input jacks are for use with source units that have RCA line level outputs. A source unit with
aminimumof250mVisrequiredforproperoperation.However,thisinputwillacceptlevelsupto10Vrms.
2. AUTO-TURN ON
Eliminates the need to run a dedicated remote wire for amplifier power on/off. Works with high level only (HL-
AD2 adapter required as shown on page 16)
3. HPF (High Pass Filter) 40 Click Detent Control
Thiscontroliscontinuouslyadjustablefrom50Hzthrough350Hzat12dBperoctave.
4. X-OVER Switch for LPF/FULL/HPF
Activates the built-in electronic crossover network. Works in conjunction with the LPF and HPF adjustable
controls. When set to FULL, the two variable controls marked HPF and LPF have no effect on the amplifiers
output.
5. LPF (Low Pass Filter) 40 Click Detent Control
Thiscontroliscontinuouslyadjustablefrom25Hzthrough250Hzat12dBperoctave.
Fig.2 Panel Layout
7
50Hz 350Hz
XMA-2200IR
2 Channel • Full Range Digital

6. BASS EQ Switch for 0dB/12dB/18dB
This equalization circuit is used to enhance the low frequency response of the vehicles interior. Selectable to
0dB(at)or12dBto18dBofboostcenteredat45Hz,theBASSEQswitchcanbeselectedtomeetyourown
personal tastes. Remember, more is not always better.
7. GAIN Control
This control is used to match the input sensitivity of the amplifier to the particular source unit that you are
using.
8. POWER/STATUS Indicator
The clear LED lights Blue when the power is on—or turns Red constantly when the built-in protection circuitry
is activated. Red indicates a problem with the system in relation to the amplifier. (See Troubleshooting Tips
on pg 28)
9. SPEAKER Output Terminals
Thisspeciallytooledsolderlessterminalblockisdesignedtoaccommodateupto10-gaugespeakerwire.
Please refer to the wiring diagrams in this manual and be sure to observe speaker polarity and impedance
throughout the system.
10. FUSE(S)
For convenience most PowerBass Xtreme amplifiers utilize common automotive ATC type fuses. For con-
tinued protection in the event that a fuse blows, replace the fuse only with the same value (see specification
table). CAUTION: These power fuses on the amplifier chassis are for protecting the amp against
overdrive. To protect the vehicles electrical system, an additional fuse should be used within
18-inches of the battery on the 12V+ cable.
XMA-5900IR 125A (Requires external fuse - not supplied)
NOTE: Due to space limitations, the XMA-5900IR does NOT use chassis mounted protective fuses.
Therefore you must add a fuse and fuse holder (not included) rated at 125A for each XMA-5900IR
installed.
11. BATT+ (Power Input Connection)
This solderless terminal is the main power input for the amplifier and must be connected directly to the 12-volt
Positive (+) terminal of the car battery. The terminal can accept up to 2-gauge wire (see Power Cable Selection
Chart for the minimum recommended wire gauges).
12. REM (Remote Input Connection)
All PowerBass Xtreme amplifiers can be turned on by applying 12 volts to this terminal. This can be found on
the rear of the source unit in the form of a remote output. If this is not available you can wire to the ACC position
on the key. An 18 gauge wire is sufficient to run the REMOTE.
13. GND (Ground Input Connection)
A good quality ground is required for your PowerBass Xtreme amplifier to operate at peak performance. A
short length of cable the same gauge as the Power cable should be used to attach the Ground terminal directly
to the chassis of the vehicle. Make sure that all of the paint is sanded or scraped away to ensure a good
ground connection.

*** WARNING ***
Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal before you start any wiring work! The bat-
tery of your car audio system must be disconnected until the entire wiring installation is
completed.
Your PowerBass Xtreme amplifier requires unrestricted current to deliver peak performance, so do not “starve”
your amplifier by using small power cable. Using under sized power cable can result in unnecessary over-
heating of the amplifier, distortion at high volume levels and might even cause the thermal protection circuitry
to shut-off the amplifier. Remember, bigger wire is better! For best results we recommend a PowerBass ampli-
fier install kit, available at your local PowerBass dealer.
• Use rubber grommets when running cables through any metal or sharp plastic to prevent accidental
shorting or shearing. Make sure the cables do not interfere with normal operation of the vehicle.
• The audio signal cables (RCA interconnects) should be kept far away from any potential sources of
electrical interference such as electronic vehicle management systems (relays, engine computers etc.),
wiring harnesses, fuel pumps etc.
POWER WIRING AND SIGNAL CONNECTIONS
Fig.3PowerInputConnection
9

Theseampliersaredesignedtoworkwithina10to16voltDCrange.Beforeanywiresareconnected,the
vehicles electrical system should be checked for correct voltage supply with the help of a voltmeter.
First, check the voltage at the battery with the ignition in the OFF position. The voltmeter should read no less
than 12V. If your vehicles electrical system is not up to these specifications, we recommend having it checked
by an auto electrician before any further installation. Once the vehicle is checked, make certain the correct
cable gauge is used. The XMA amplifier terminals are capable of accepting up to 4 gauge power and ground
cable. We recommend using as large a gauge cable as possible, use the Power Cable Selection Chart to cal-
culate the correct power wire size for your application.
POWER WIRING
BATT+ (Power)
This amplifier should be wired directly to the vehicle battery using the appropriate size cable. Start at the
vehicle battery and run the power cable through to the amplifier. Avoid running the power cable over engine
components and near heater cores. The use of an inline fuse or circuit breaker is a must; this will pre-
vent the risk of a potential fire caused by a short in your power cable. Connect the fuse holder or circuit breaker
as close to the battery positive (+) terminal as possible (within 18” from the battery). This fuse or circuit breaker
should be no greater then the sum of the fuses found on the chassis of your amplifier (also see specifications
chart). You may now connect the cable to the battery, but remember to leave the fuse out or circuit breaker
“off” until all other cable connections are made.
GND (Ground)
When grounding your amplifier, locate a metal area close to the amplifier that is good source of ground
(preferable the floor pan). Use a short length of cable the same gauge as your power cable. Once again,
investigate the area you wish to use for electrical wires, vacuum lines, and brake or fuel lines. Use either a
wire brush or sandpaper to eliminate unwanted paint for better contact of the ground.
Secure the ground cable to the body using a bolt, star washer and nut. Spread silicon over the screw and
bare metal to prevent rust and possible water leaks.
NOTE: The Ground must be capable of carrying the same amount of current as the positive wire.
Fig.4 Ground Connection

Now it’s time to connect the power and ground cables to the amplifier. Cut both cables to length.
Strip off 1/2 inch (12mm) of the insulation so that the bare wire fits all the way in the terminal block on the
side panel of the amplifier, seating it firmly so no bare wire is exposed. Use a screw driver to losen the BATT+
and the GND connection on the amplifier. Insert the ground first, and then the +12V and please make sure
that you place them into the correctly marked terminals. Hand thighten the set screws and make sure the
connection is secure to prevent possible arcing due to loose screws.
REM (Remote Trigger)
This terminal must be connected to a switched +12V source. Typically, a remote turn-on lead is provided at the
source unit that will turn on and off the amplifier in correspondence with the source. If this lead is not at the
source unit, then a switched +12V supply must be used, like the ACC, +12V.
Run a minimum of 18 gauge wire from the amplifier location to the source of the switched +12V lead. If possible,
route this wire on the same side of the vehicle as your power cable. Connect the source remote output to the
wire. Go back to the amplifier and cut the wire to length. Loosen the screw terminal marked REM on the amplifier.
Insert the stripped (bare) portion of the wire into the terminal and tighten the screw securely.
AUTO TURN-ON Button
This unit features a High Level Auto Turn-on circuit that eliminates the need to run a separate Remote Turn-on
Lead to the terminal marked REM located between the amplifiers BATT+ and GND power terminals. To en-
gage this circuitry make sure the AUTO TURN-ON button is in the ON (out) position Requires optional HL-AD2
wiring harness (see pg 16). When this button is the OFF (in) position the amplifier will require a dedicated
remote wire to power the amplifier. If you are using the RCA Low Level inputs you will need to run the Remote
Turn-on wire and set the button to the OFF (in) position.
NOTE: It is highly recommended that an Allen wrench is used to tighten the set screws
in the terminal blocks by hand and NOT a power drill. This will prevent stripping or other
possible damage to the amplifier.
11

Low Level Input - Choose the correct length and style of RCA interconnects for your needs. Always use
high quality RCA audio cables (not supplied) for signal connections—those with multiple layers of shielding
or a twisted pair variety for better noise rejection.
Be extra careful when routing your RCA audio interconnect cables. Car environments are notorious for poorly
insulated wires. This means that hiss, engine noise, and fan noise can easily be picked up through RCA
cables if run incorrectly.
Make sure that the cables for power and audio signal are not on the same side of the vehicle and that they
do not cross each other; this will help reduce any noise that may radiate from the power cable and the signal
cable. If an audio cable is too close to a power cable, it may pick up the magnetic field generated by the
power cable, which could lead to a loss of quality in your signal.
NOTE: This is the preferred method.
RCA INTERCONNECT (XMA-2200IR/2405IR)
Fig.5 Low Level Input using RCA

Fig.6b Low Level Input using single RCA
Fig.6a Low Level Input using two RCAs
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RCA INTERCONNECT (XMA-4250IR)
Single RCA OUT
Dual RCA OUT (Front and Rear)

Single RCA OUT
Dual RCA OUT (Front and Rear)
Single RCA Output on the Radio (Rear only)
In the event the car radio (head unit) you are using
has only 1-set of RCA preamp outputs, you will
need to split the signal using “Y” adaptors on the
Right and Left channels as shown above. Since
the radio's 2V (or possibly lower) pre out signal is
splitbetween3setsofinputs,theGAINcontrols
will need to be set considerably higher to maximize
the amplifiers ouput. By doing this you will lose the
Front to Rear fader capability as only the Rear RCA
is being used.
Dual RCA Output from the Radio
(Front and Rear)
If the car radio (head unit) you are using has
2-sets of RCA preamp outputs you will retain the
full balance and fade capabilities of your radio.
With the SUB INPUT button “out” the subwoofer is
unaffected by fade Front to Rear.
Y adaptors
XMA-5900IR
Fig.7a
Fig.7b

Three RCA OUT (Front and Rear plus Subwoofer)
Three RCA Outputs from the Radio (Front and Rear plus Subwoofer)
Thisistheoptimumcongurationforthisamplierbyproviding3-setsofdiscretesignaltothepreamp.It
will also offer the most flexibility in tuning the system.
15
XMA-5900IR (continued)
Fig.7c

HIGH LEVEL INPUT PLUG
The balanced input of this XMA series amplifier can receive either low (RCA) or high (speaker lead) level signals
from the source unit (radio). A high level signal can be run from the source units speaker lead outputs to the
low level RCA amplifier inputs via the PowerBass HL-AD2 wiring harness (available separately as shown below.
Fig.8 Optional High Level Input

This control allows you to match the input level of the amplifier to the output level of your head unit. Matching
the input can be accomplished in three simple steps:
1. Set the volume of GAIN on the amplifier to Min (completely counter clock wise).
2. Turnontheheadunitandadjustvolumeto2/3maximum,andsettheBASSandTREBLEtozero.
3. Adjust the GAIN control clockwise until the sound just begins to distort, then back off slightly to cut
distortion and operate at optimum gain.
Remember, the GAIN control is not a volume control. Ignoring the three steps above may leave you with
damaged speaker and/or a damaged amplifier.
SET UP ADJUSTMENTS
INPUT Gain Adjustment
Fig.9 GAIN Control
GAIN
MINMAX
HPF (High Pass Filter) 40 Click Detent Control
When you are using coaxial or component speaker system, this allows you to adjust high-pass X-over frequency
from50Hzto350Hz.Togetbettersoundqualityfromcoaxialorcomponentspeakersystem,werecommendthe
frequencyshouldbehigherthan80Hz.MakesuretheX-OVERswitchispositionedat“HPF”.Seethechartson
pages 24-27 to set the High Pass Filter to the precise frequency for your particular amplifier.
BASS EQ Switch
This special feature is designed to provide you more powerful sound quality, and it allows you to boost the
realBassEQup+18dB.Thelevelofboostcanbesettoeither0(noboost),+12dBor+18dB.Keepinmind
that more is not always better! Setting the control to the max (18dB) can stress the amplifier and the speakers
which may result in damage to your system.
Fig.10BassEQControl
Fig.11 High Pass Control (HPF)
17

LPF (Low Pass Filter) 40 Click Detent Control
Using this volume, adjust the LPF frequency for your subwoofer speaker(s) operation. The X-OVER switch
position should be at “LPF”. Use the enclosed chart to precisely dial in desired frequency. See the charts on
pages 24-27 to set the Low Pass Filter to the precise frequency for your particular amplifier.
Fig.12 Low Pass Control (LPF)
SPECIAL CONTROLS FOR THE XMA 5900IR
ThefollowinginstructionsapplytothemodelXMA-5900IRonly.Youwillnotndthesecontrolsonany
of the other models in this series.
Sub Input Button
TheXMA-5900IRisa5-channelamplifierthatincorporatesanadvancedcrossovernetworkandaSub-
woofer Remote Level control. You are able to select which of the 4 inputs that subwoofer signal is
sourced to. With the Subwoofer Source button in the out position the subwoofer will receive its signal
from a sum of the FRONT/REAR inputs. With the button in, the subwoofer signal will come from the
SUB inputs.
BASS EQ Variable Control
This special feature is designed to provide you more powerful sound quality, and it allows you to adjust
theBassEQupto18dBat45Hz.Keepinmindmoreisnotalwaysbetter.Settingthecontroltothemax
(18dB) may stress the amplifier and woofer and could result in damage.
25Hz 250Hz
Input Mode Switch (XMA-4250IR ONLY)
Matches the input from the Source Unit to that of the amplifier, either 2 or 4 Channel. This eliminates the use
of “Y” adapters and provides a cleaner input signal.
Fig.132-4ChannelInputMode
CH2CH4
INPUT MODE
INPUT

SPEAKER WIRING AND CONFIGURATIONS
Speaker Load
KeepinmindyourPowerBassXtremeamplierisahighpoweramplierandnotahighcurrentamplier.In
other words this amplifier requires a minimum impedance of 2 ohms STEREO or 4 ohms bridged
MONO to operate trouble free.Lower impedance will send the amplifier into protection and possibly dam-
age the electronics inside and void the waranty.
TheXMA-5900IRisstableto2-ohmsontheSUBchannel.
NOTE: Know your total impedance load before you make any connections.
Speaker Wiring
Choose the correct speaker wire for your application. Most applications will require a minimum of 16 gauge
wire. Route these using the same precautions as you did when you ran the power cable. Terminate these wires
at the speaker end using insulated speaker terminals (not supplied) or by soldering the connection. Make sure
the speaker connections are positive-to-positive and negative-to-negative. At the amplifier end, it is very im-
portant that the wires are making solid contact. Strip the wires insulation back approximately 1/2 inch (12mm)
and insert the wires into the appropriate openings while being careful there are no loose or frayed strands of
wire straying from the terminal. Check to make sure you’ve maintained proper polarity and balance.
CAUTION
Maintaining proper impedance is critical when wiring the Full Range Digital model amplifiers. Improper
wiring can cause severe damage to BOTH the woofer and the amplifier. Detailed wiring diagrams
are supplied with all PowerBass woofers. IF YOU ARE NOT EXPERIENCED OR UNCOMFORTABLE
READING THE WIRING DIAGRAMS CONSULT YOUR AUTHORIZED POWERBASS DEALER BEFORE YOU
ATTEMPT TO WIRE THE SYSTEM.
19

Speaker Output Connections 2 Channel Model (XMA 2200IR/2405IR)
2. 1-Channel (Bridged Mode) Speaker Output Connection
1. 2-Channel Speaker Output Connection
Fig.14 2-CH Speaker Connection
(Do not connect total impedance under 2 ohms)
Fig.15 1-CH (Bridged Mode) Speaker Connection
(Do not connect total impedance under 4 ohms)
OR